Beirut, Lebanon – On April 12, 2025, on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Haigazian University, the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics proudly hosted The Next 70: Innovate and Lead business conference, a landmark event designed to explore the future of business, leadership, and innovation. Sponsored by the Barkev Kassarjian Charitable Trust, the conference brought together a distinguished lineup of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academic experts committed to shaping Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Esteemed panelists including Aline Kamakian, CEO and Founder of FIG Holding; Jack Jendo, Founder of Brain Digits; Georges Salloum, CEO of I-Stay; Corine Kiame, President of the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB); and Krystel Khalil, Program Director at Berytech, shared their invaluable insights, fostering an enriching dialogue on innovation and leadership.
The event, which took place at Haigazian University’s Auditorium, was moderated by Dr. Christine Arzoumanian, a faculty member whose dedication played a pivotal role in the conference’s success. The event was also supported by the HU Business Society (HUBS) and the Lebanese Entrepreneurship Network (LEN).
A Vision for the Future
The conference began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Fadi Asrawi, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at Haigazian University. He highlighted the significance of the event as the university celebrates its 70th anniversary. “This is more than just a celebration of our past; it is a call to action as we look toward the future. In a world marked by rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal values, we must equip our students with the tools to not only adapt but to lead with purpose,” said Dr. Asrawi.
Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University, emphasized the core values of entrepreneurship, noting, “Entrepreneurship is about producing real value—whether economic, social, cultural, or even spiritual. At the heart of meaningful innovation is the renewal of the mind, and higher education plays a critical role in cultivating values that empower creativity and guide action toward the greater good.”
Insights from Industry Leaders
The conference featured thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions that touched on a wide range of topics. Aline Kamakian, whose entrepreneurial journey led to the creation of Mayrig and Batchig Armenian food restaurants, shared her inspiring experience of overcoming gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. “Knowing your product and staying true to your mission is essential for overcoming challenges,” said Kamakian, who also reflected on the resilience required after the 2020 Beirut explosion.
Georges Salloum, a seasoned entrepreneur and mentor, captivated the audience with his insights into AI’s role in entrepreneurship. “AI is not just a trend—it’s a powerful enabler,” Salloum remarked, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage AI to automate processes, scale operations, and drive innovation across industries.
Jack Jendo, an expert in leadership and innovation, underscored the importance of self-leadership for entrepreneurial success. “AI is a tool, not a replacement for human ingenuity. Successful entrepreneurs master their mindset and energy,” Jendo noted, urging founders to harness emerging technologies to solve real-world problems.
Corine Kiame, President of the LLWB, shared essential advice for first-time entrepreneurs. “Start with a clear understanding of costs, create a simple budget, and test ideas with minimal spending. Sustainability comes from solving real problems and building financial skills,” Kiame advised.
Krystel Khalil, Program Director at Berytech, emphasized the importance of strong networks and mentorship in the startup ecosystem. “Startups need more than funding—they need guidance, market access, and capacity-building,” Khalil explained, highlighting the importance of technology in scaling social and environmental impact.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The conference also featured an Interactive Session on Entrepreneurship & the AI Revolution, where Georges Salloum provided a deep dive into how AI is transforming industries. He encouraged startups to embrace AI tools for rapid prototyping and scaling, while also sharing insights on the evolving trends in quantum AI and human-AI collaboration.
Dr. Christine Arzoumanian, who also teaches entrepreneurship at Haigazian University, presented the university’s approach to fostering entrepreneurial talent through its hands-on curriculum. “In our Capstone Senior Seminar, students develop a business from scratch, write comprehensive business plans, and pitch their ideas to investors,” Dr. Arzoumanian explained. “These practical experiences equip students with the skills and insights they need to succeed in the business world.”
Networking and Future Opportunities
The conference concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, followed by a networking lunch. This provided an invaluable opportunity for students, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas.
The Next 70: Innovate and Lead not only celebrated Haigazian University’s legacy of academic excellence but also set the stage for a future of innovation and leadership. As Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and a shared vision for building a sustainable and prosperous future.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director